Isabel LaRosa Faces the Fear of Leaving "Home" [Q&A]
Dark-pop songstress Isabel LaRosa faces the realities of leaving her comfort zone after leaving her childhood home in Annapolis, Maryland on her newest track, "Home." She vulnerably explores nostalgia, growing up, and the struggle of leaving behind a familiar place for the sake of becoming the person you're meant to become.
Throughout the single, she wrestles with the reality of not being able to return to the home she once knew and tries to redefine what "home" really means, feeling somewhat disconnected from her past life and sense of place. Even when there's nothing left to hold onto, there's a sense of loss, but still, she pays homage to her family, who remain an anchor for her as she moves forward.
LaRosa chatted with OnesToWatch to discuss the inspiration behind the single, her evolution as a songwriter, and what fans can expect this year.
OnesToWatch: First, I want to say that it's been a joy to see you continue to grow since the release of your viral songs "I'm Yours" and "Haunted." Looking back on your early work, how do you feel you have evolved as a songwriter since then?
Isabel LaRosa: First of all, thank you, that means a lot to me. I think I've evolved as a songwriter over the past few years in ways like I'm able to communicate my feelings better through writing, and I feel more comfortable being vulnerable in my songs. I think in the past, I felt scared to let down a cool persona and show who I really am, but I'm trying to let go of that fear.
Tell me more about your new single "Home." What inspired the track, and what were the early days like in the studio?
"Home" is an incredibly personal song about my parents, selling my child at home and moving away. My brother and I wrote it about watching our younger sister, grow up from afar, and wishing that we could be there with her. It honestly relates to many aspects of my life, but it really talks about the fear of change. Thomas and I wrote this song, and Ian Kirkpatrick produced it, and it was such a good flow when we were working together, it felt completely natural. I was trying not to cry the whole time when we were writing the verses.
I love that instead of releasing a song about romantic love on Valentine's Day, you went a different direction and decided to release a song about growing up, family, and self-reflection. Was that intentional, or did it just happen that way?
Honestly, I think it's kind of hilarious that "Home" is releasing on Valentine's Day. I wasn't aware of it until I looked at the release schedule and it happened to be on that day. Not trying to make Valentine's Day any more miserable than it is for anyone who's sad already. Sorry!
What is your favorite lyric from "Home?" I love the second verse when you address your sister and any boy who might break her heart. It reminds me of my relationship with my sisters!
My favorite line from "Home" is, "To the boys that kiss her, you better fucking treat her well." This line is about my younger sister and watching her grow up and speaking directly to the boys that she'll date in her life and if they ever hurt her, I will go to jail so…
Can fans expect a larger body of work in the future? If so, how does this new single fit into the record, and what kind of stories and themes are you hoping to share and explore on a larger release?
Haha, you're funny. Let's just say I'm holding a lot of secrets in my phone right now. I'm not lying about the fact that I'll get to share them soon. I promise.
I know you work primarily with your brother Thomas on your music. What is the most crucial aspect of any creative collaboration?
Thomas and I work so well together I forget what it's like to not know the person you're working with so incredibly well. I think such an important part of collaboration is being on the same page and understanding what the other person's skillset and intentions are. I think similar taste in music is very important too. Being able to be vulnerable with that person is necessary as well.
In addition to the new music on the horizon, I'm excited to see that you'll be performing at the Electric Avenue Music Festival and The Governors Ball later this year! How are you feeling about gracing the stage this summer?
I'm truly so excited to play these festivals specifically Governors Ball because Thomas and I may or may not have snuck backstage like three years ago. So, we're very excited to finally be in the backstage area and not be thrown out. All jokes aside it's genuinely been a dream of mine for so long and I'm so ready to give it everything I have.
Outside of what fans know, are there any other surprises or announcements that we should get excited about this year?
I really hate having to be so secretive because I have so much stuff that we've been working on for months and months now, so I wanna tell you everything I just can't quite yet but I promise it'll be worth it. Just expect a lot of changes. And I'm releasing some things from the jail of music I have in my phone. Maybe. Who knows.
